Vegans for Palestine Podcast - Episode 26 - How can you be vegan if you are not pro-Palestine?

Vegans for Palestine Podcast - Episode 26 - How can you be vegan if you are not pro-Palestine?

In this episode of the Vegans for Palestine podcast, Rayan speaks with Majdoleen, a Palestinian vegan activist, educator and content creator, about the connections between veganism, Palestinian culture, and social justice. Majdoleen reflects on her experiences as a Palestinian vegan and discusses how veganism strengthened her connection to Palestinian culture, food traditions and the land. Drawing on personal stories, she explains how traditional Palestinian cuisine contains many plant-based foods and highlights the importance of preserving cultural and agricultural practices. The conversation explores the concept of intersectional veganism, with Majdoleen arguing that vegan values of compassion, justice and opposition to harm should extend beyond animals to include all forms of oppression and violence. The two ask a very important question - how can you be vegan if you are not pro-Palestine? Spoiler alert - you can't!  This episode is transcribed for Deaf and Hard of Hearing viewers here.  [https://youtu.be/5N9Jlli5_wo] Follow Majdoleen here [https://www.instagram.com/maggie.sukayri/] Check out Majdoleen's tiktok account here [https://www.tiktok.com/@plantastic.basha] This episode features the poem called 'Shades of Anger' by Rafeef Ziadeh [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf3dZ6HkieM&t=65s].  Palestinian poet, writer, and activist Rafeef Ziadeh [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G8TxzEtyOI] is known for her powerful spoken-word poetry that explores themes of identity, resistance, displacement, and social justice. Her poem Shades of Anger challenges racist stereotypes, colonial narratives, and the dehumanisation of Palestinians, while affirming Palestinian resilience and dignity. Through personal storytelling and emotional imagery, the poem highlights the experiences of Palestinian women and communities living under occupation, while expressing anger as a legitimate response to injustice and oppression. You can view the poem here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=718hGAyo3yE&list=RD718hGAyo3yE&start_radio=1] Music in this episode: Dounana (Without Us) by Siba Alkhiami [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM0B539FHZU&list=RDxM0B539FHZU&start_radio=1]and Felix Spitta is a powerful Arabic protest song that confronts colonialism, displacement, cultural erasure, and the dehumanisation of oppressed peoples, asking the recurring question, “Who would you be without us?” as an affirmation of the contributions, resilience, and humanity of colonised communities. Written and performed by the Berlin-based Syrian artist Siba and produced by MONKYMAN, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmNRp_YV9Fs] the song transforms anger, grief, and resistance into a message of collective empowerment and solidarity for people experiencing oppression around the world. Thank you so much for joining us, Majdoleen! We hope to one day celebrate freedom in the beautiful village of al-Na'ani - النعاني with you! Free Palestine! Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2452745/fan_mail/new]

Vegans for Palestine Podcast - Episode 25 - Sailing on board the Sumud Flotilla

In this episode of the Vegans for Palestine podcast, Dalal speaks with Mi Hao Lee while she is aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian humanitarian mission attempting to break the blockade on Gaza Strip. Their conversation explores the connections between Palestinian liberation, veganism, anti-racism, anti-capitalism, and anti-speciesism, with Mi Hao Lee arguing that all systems of oppression are interconnected and must be challenged together. The episode also reflects on the realities of activism at sea, the symbolism of sumud (steadfastness), and the role of international solidarity in confronting violence and humanitarian crisis. This episode is captioned for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Viewers here. [ https://youtu.be/zxmjsIi-MEU] Follow Mi Hoa Lee here https://www.instagram.com/mihoalee/ [https://www.instagram.com/mihoalee/] Music in this episode: Sol Band is a Palestinian folk-pop band formed in Gaza in 2012, known for blending contemporary music with Palestinian cultural and resistance themes. Their music gained international attention during the Israeli genocidal war on Gaza, as members continued creating songs and performing for displaced children while documenting life under bombardment. The band has also been recognised for preserving and reinterpreting Palestinian folk music and for establishing music education initiatives for young people in Gaza.  Social media: * Instagram: Sol Band Instagram https://www.instagram.com/solbandgaza/ [https://www.instagram.com/solbandgaza/] * Official Website - https://solbandgaza.com/ [https://solbandgaza.com/] * YouTube: Sol Band YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWlXXPiIOOsaOImtr0rVDPw?utm_source=chatgpt.com] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWlXXPiIOOsaOImtr0rVDPw/videos [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWlXXPiIOOsaOImtr0rVDPw/videos] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2452745/fan_mail/new]

Vegans for Palestine Podcast - Episode 24 - Vegan Palestinian Hospitality

This episode is an in-house conversation between two Palestinian vegans, unpacking what it really means to live a vegan lifestyle within a culture where food and hospitality are everything. We chat about how sharing meals is such a big part of showing love and care, and how that can sometimes feel tricky when your values around food are different. There’s an honest look at that balancing act—staying true to your beliefs while also respecting cultural traditions and not wanting to offend anyone or appear '3yb'.  The conversation flows through real-life experiences, like bringing your own food to gatherings, sharing vegan dishes with others, and finding ways to communicate your needs without it feeling awkward. There’s also a personal reflection on motherhood, and how raising a child can shape the way you approach food, values, and everyday routines. Enjoy this one! A captioned version for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people is available here.  [https://youtu.be/cbcJPZXkHHU] The music in this episode: Maysa Daw is a Palestinian singer-songwriter and actress, known for her work with the hip-hop group DAM, where she blends indie, hip-hop, and liberation engaged themes. She was born and raised in Haifa (Palestine), and you can follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/maysadaw/ The lyrics for the spoken word poetry in this episode can be viewed here https://www.instagram.com/p/B9enQKMFi9P/ Free Palestine!  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2452745/fan_mail/new]

Vegans for Palestine Podcast - Episode 23 - Unapologetic Liberation & Radical Solidarity

In this episode, Dalal sits down with Akbar Ali to unpack veganism, animal rights, and what it really means to advocate for change. Akbar shares his journey to veganism, reflecting on the early experiences that shaped his commitment to animal rights and social justice. Together, they explore how mainstream animal rights movements have shifted from liberation-focused roots to more consumption-driven approaches—and question whether this shift is truly effective. The conversation dives into the links between systemic oppression affecting both humans and animals, highlighting the importance of striving for total liberation rather than selective advocacy. They also get real about the challenges of speaking up—navigating relationships, social pressure, and the discomfort that can come with challenging dominant norms. Akbar leaves listeners with a powerful message: be unapologetic, stay committed, and don’t be afraid to push for a more just world for all beings. A captioned version for Deaf and Hard of Hearing viewers is available here. [https://youtu.be/IYlNizo8uIw]  Follow Akbar Ali: https://www.instagram.com/veganfeverdreamz/ The music in this episode is Palestinian grunge created by Khalas.  Khalas is a Palestinian Grunge band from Akka, Palestine, known for blending alternative rock with Arab influences and politically conscious lyrics. Formed in 2003, the band has gained an international following for their energetic sound and messages reflecting Palestinian identity and resistance. You can follow them on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/khalasband/) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/khalasband/) to keep up with their music and updates. Please support their work.  Thank you Akbar for joining us at the Vegans for Palestine Podcast.  We all need to be unapologetic in our liberation for all!  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2452745/fan_mail/new]

Vegans for Palestine Podcast - Episode 22 - From Spain to Palestine: Anti-Colonial Vegan Activism

In this episode of the Vegans for Palestine podcast, Dalal speaks with Frasco about his journey from growing up in a poor village in Spain to becoming an intersectional vegan activist shaped by anti-racist, feminist, and anti-colonial struggles. Frasco explains how learning about speciesism and watching the documentary Earthlings led him to connect animal liberation with broader systems of domination, while also confronting vegaphobia and social backlash. Together, they critique racist and orientalist tendencies within mainstream animal rights campaigns, arguing that advocacy must be accountable to the communities it addresses and rooted in justice rather than moral superiority. Drawing on examples from Palestine, Latin America, and Europe, they link animalization, colonial violence, and land dispossession, ultimately presenting veganism as a global ethical framework that challenges hierarchies of power rather than a Western luxury or trend.  This episode is captioned for Deaf and Hard of Hearing viewers here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yl6oYCyUP4].  You can follow Frasco here https://www.instagram.com/frascfz?utm... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjR0eWVBOGNJMHRFdUx4WkhsMk9EUXQ2QlJJQXxBQ3Jtc0tuRU9SV3V0eUFoZDhwbkJjTEJ1V21kUzl2R2Y1YThnQkZGQWVVODFaWHlQY0pWZjVzanpCUWdkWTIzX1poRGo3MGRIUDY5dEl3S0dXVHJUcnRYel9ybXRGWVJ1NHRmajFicldVZkdqeGZYYXc5dXFMWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Ffrascfz%3Futm_source%3Dig_web_button_share_sheet%26igsh%3DZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3D&v=6yl6oYCyUP4] Link to his book is here:   / dtyk5yqigglrrnfjm4tgq6z9iq5zzkb1dzkdrs0  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbW5JbzJzMGp6ZXJtd1E2QW5BZjdrcUl2Nnh2UXxBQ3Jtc0ttSUpIN21qLVM1TzFObXp1eWpuV0VyRWxoOENoUXJ4aEY0Nm81NnRQZG5aS0NoM3BjZGRxN1dnazljUDJwb0RHX1czUjg0dmpJVThiUzhPTGthX2J1YmlydkQ1Y1dPc2VhWWNDckZkQlJwWU9IUVFNbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fp%2FDTYk5yqigGlRRNFJm4TGq6Z9Iq5zzKB1DzKDrs0%2F&v=6yl6oYCyUP4] Book published by   / animalesysociedad  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3N6UnF2Q21sLWxabFRsSkExMjZWVFV5d3hjQXxBQ3Jtc0tsdjQ2QVJmeDdqeWlBRm83MUFxMFhIN21WTno4Ylp0a1ZqWXBpVUk4WF9xdFl5Vktwejg0QnNBMzJiemN3MnhiMWd6YmlybkFxd3hmWWp4ZzZPbjJ0VzNET0pvZVJpbUswSmdiX29rb2ZIM2Y1WnJmbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fanimalesysociedad%2F&v=6yl6oYCyUP4] The music in this episode is by a Palestinian singer, artist and song writer named Jawdat Khoury. Follow Jawdat here   / jawdatkhoury_official  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGFRWEprYzNQZ0JuR2JOcEIxcXdNNnNwc1BSd3xBQ3Jtc0tuYkFZRjQzQ2dSMHNEenk0MnpTZUcxNUxRdjBWeEZrWm4zSnBfUmd2NEV2YU9yb3pGb2VqU2NGcWRGWm9xcUFBOUEyLS16OWp0M0VMaUZTN2xLWHp4d3lRb25WVjNNdXl1bHBKUjNQeDBrdW5jcjV4NA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fjawdatkhoury_official%2F&v=6yl6oYCyUP4] The poetry in this episode is by Suheir Hammad. Read more here https://overland.org.au/2024/07/what-... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbG9RNEUwQ0wySE12UVJiWmdhcDZEWGdlMy0yQXxBQ3Jtc0tsY19LQnRmdzVPb2tVZ05DU2hKcEs1UVdTVHVuXzI3V09NSmtEcmpWWm85N2FoQWk3bk9RM3JRT25fb0QtNWZnWHowVnZPYjBSQmRZY0NqcUNPTDV2OFY2Wk9JanNFenZsWXpKcllHc2hIdU83cExSaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Foverland.org.au%2F2024%2F07%2Fwhat-is-it-that-remains-of-us-now-witnessing-the-war-on-palestine-with-suheir-hammad%2F&v=6yl6oYCyUP4] Thank you Frasco for joining us at the Vegans for Palestine Podcast. From Spain to Palestine - liberation for all around the world! Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2452745/fan_mail/new]